Euthanasia advocate Philip Nitschke investigated for role in murder suspect's death

Kate Hagan

The Medical Board of Australia has launched a fourth investigation into euthanasia campaigner Philip Nitschke over his involvement with a 45-year-old man without a terminal illness who took his own life.

Nigel Brayley, who ended his life using a euthanasia drug, was being investigated over the suspected murder of his wife.

Dr Nitschke said he provided support to Mr Brayley to end his life. He said there was nothing to suggest Mr Brayley was depressed, and he did not have any obligation to refer him to a psychiatrist.

Dr Nitschke's actions have drawn the ire of groups including the Australian Medical Association and beyondblue.

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He said he had been informed by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency that it would investigate him over the case.

''I’ll have to fight it every step of the way, whether there was any breach of so-called medical ethics in Nigel’s case,'' he said.

A spokeswoman for Exit International added that any action by the agency would have ''no bearing on Philip’s activities at Exit, as this is not a medical practice''.

Dr Nitschke was due to speak at the Australian Medical Students' Association national convention conference on Thursday, but said his presentation was cancelled at 24 hours' notice. He was due to speak on the topic ''Voluntary euthanasia or rational suicide – two sides of the same coin?''

He is facing three other board investigations, including complaints that he tried to import nitrogen cylinders that could be used for suicide.

Voluntary euthanasia campaigner Rodney Syme has expressed ''grave concerns'' that people with mental illnesses may be accessing information on how to kill themselves through websites and seminars run by Dr Nitschke.

Dr Syme said the Brayley case reinforced his long-held concerns about Dr Nitschke providing information to people through websites and seminars without any knowledge of their mental states.

''I've been concerned for some years that Philip's approach is irresponsible; that it does not protect people who are vulnerable because of psychiatric disturbance,'' he said. ''Everyone has a duty of care to someone who might be considering suicide and a doctor has a much higher duty of care.''

For help or information call Suicide Line on 1300 651 251 or Lifeline on 131 114, or visit beyondblue.org.au.